Combined hormonal versus nonhormonal versus progestin‐only contraceptives for postpartum contraception in lactating individuals

The article presents a protocol for a Cochrane systematic review comparing various contraceptive methods for postpartum women who are breastfeeding. The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend exclusive breastfeeding until six months and continuation until two years of age. Breastfeeding provides complete nutrition, a safe food source, and immunological protection against infectious diseases, while reducing maternal risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. Lactation temporarily suppresses ovulation, but the return of ovulation is highly variable and often occurs before the first postpartum menstruation. The World Health Organization recommends an interpregnancy interval of at least two years after live birth, as short intervals are associated with adverse outcomes such as preterm birth and low birthweight. Various contraceptive options are available including nonhormonal methods such as less effective barrier methods and copper intrauterine devices, and hormonal methods such as combined hormonal contraceptives and progestin-only methods.